High school bands battle at Burlington YMCA

The battle of high school bands culminates tomorrow (Saturday) in the 2013 Youth Band Battle taking place at Burlington’s Ron Edwards YMCA.

The final show tomorrow brings together Burlington’s top high school bands with performances by the Noise, Good Fridays and Shattered Remains.

Six young bands compete tomorrow for a chance to win a spot in the Sound of Music Festival, Scenefest and Burly Calling as well as studio time at B Town Sound, a gift card from Long & McQuade, YMCA memberships and the chance to audition for Burlington’s Canada Day event.

“We are really excited this year for the battle as we have been able to partner with many music festivals in support of helping the young bands get further experience and exposure on a larger scale,” said Paul Shelton, organizer of Youth Band Battle.

“Having these opportunities for our young artists to obtain exposure at three music festivals speaks to the importance of the need to support our youth within their interests.”

Coincides with Youth Week

The 2013 Youth Band Battle coincides with Youth Week, which runs May 1-7.

“The Band Battle is one of many events and activities during Youth Week that support and celebrate what our youth can do,” said Shelton.

“It’s difficult for the young bands to get momentum going for their band as they are often too young to play bigger events. Having this chance to play for a larger audience and in a concert setting validates their efforts and gives them motivation to strive and reach their goals.”

Burlington’s the Noise is a relatively new band but consists of accomplished local musicians who grew up performing at these events.

“I grew up playing shows like this at the YMCA and Music Centre,” said Ian Blackwood, vocalist and guitarist, who is also a judge in tomorrow’s finals. “It’s important to see what is up and coming. Events through YMCA saved the scene as there are not a lot of venues to play when you’re getting into music. Jersey, Silverstein, Grade are all great bands that came from city venues giving us a place to do our thing. It’s where I cut my teeth.”

The Noise, consisting of Blackwood, guitarist/vocalist Chuck Leach, bass guitarist Will Marr (of illScarlett), guitarist Ryan Ford and drummer Aaron Morrice, released Inside Out in January and will showcase new songs at tomorrow’s performance.

“I already have a record’s worth of new songs,” said Blackwood. “I’m always writing, just ask my sister (Sarah Blackwood of Walk Off the Earth); every day I’m writing. We have to find time with members being in different bands but we’re casual and focus when we practise. I think we’ll have a new release by end of summer or fall (at the) latest.”